Solomons troops to be mostly home by Christmas

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The number of Australian troops in the Solomons Islands was set to be cut to around 50 following the success of a year-long operation to restore law and order, the federal government said today.

Defence Minister Robert Hill, in the Solomons today for ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the start mission, said intimidation and violence reigned across the country before the arrival of the international force.

He said he was pleased the security situation had now reached the stage where this anniversary could be freely celebrated at communities across the country.

From a high of 1,700 military personnel a year ago, mostly Australians, the military component has now been reduced to fewer than 600, about half Australian.

Senator Hill said that number would be reduced even further over the next month to about a platoon.

''With a small headquarters, we are really looking at our force reducing to around the 50 mark. It has been a tremendous success,'' he said.

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The first elements of the Australian-led regional forces landed in the capital Honiara on July 24 last year.

That followed an urgent request from the Solomons government for help following years of civil unrest which left the country in danger of total collapse.

The international assistance is set to continue for some time.

While the troops will be able to come home, the Australian Federal Police contingent, now numbering 208 out of a total police contingent of 302, will stay on.

Senator Hill said the military contingent in the Regional Assistance Missions to the Solomons Islands had the task of ensuring the police had adequate protection while the law and order situation was brought under control.

''That has principally been achieved,'' he said.

''There have been over 3000 arrests. Over 3,500 weapons have been seized and destroyed. The law and order situation is now really quite satisfactory.

''So the focus now is not only on maintaining that but building on that foundation, particularly rebuilding the institutions of the Solomons and helping them rebuild their economy.''

As well as the continuing police and military commitment, Australia also has a team of officials in the Solomons working to help rebuild the machinery of government.

That includes 17 advisers in the Ministry of Finance plus 20 lawyers and legal advisers working in judicial system.